Hybrid meshing for CFD-analysis

Mesh quality is where the CFD analyst has the largest impact on solution quality - after all, the numerical algorithms and physical models are dictated by choice of the solver. A high quality mesh increases the accuracy of the CFD solution and improves convergence relative to a poor quality mesh. For meshing based on complex CAD-Data, hybrid meshes often present the best choice regarding the costs (time to generate the mesh) and quality. 

Our Service: We generate hybrid meshes for your CFD-Solver.

Figure 1: Hexahedral mesh in the outer region

We demonstrate the meshing process for a simplified geometry. Hybrid meshes, consisting of mixed element types, allow to combine the ease of tetrahedral meshing on complex geometries with the advantages of traditional hexahedral cells in regions of less geometric complexity (see. Figure 1).

Figure 2: Pyramids and prism to establish conformal mesh interfaces

Viscous hybrid meshes use a layer of prism elements along walls, with tetrahedral elements in the bulk flow region (Fig. 2). Compared to all-tetrahedral meshes, viscous hybrid meshes result in dramatic savings, with far fewer elements required to accurately resolve boundary layers and give good near-wall prediction of shear stress, heat transfer, and flow separation.

Figure 3: Flow Animation

Figure 3: Flow animation: Pressure on the wall regions, animated path lines with flow velocities